Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making wound dressings that include the steps of contacting a fabric substrate having properties effective for use as a hemostat and containing fibers prepared from a biocompatible polymer, with a solution of a water-soluble or water-swellable biocompatible polymer under conditions effective to distribute the polymer solution substantially homogenously on and through the fabric substrate, transferring the fabric substrate to a lyophilization unit under conditions effective to maintain the homogeneous distribution on and throughout the substrate, and lyophilizing the fabric having the polymer solution distributed on and there through.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making wound dressings that include the steps of providing a solution of a water-soluble or water-swellable biocompatible polymer dissolved in a solvent for the polymer, providing a fabric substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, the fabric having properties effective for use as a hemostat and containing fibers prepared from a biocompatible polymer, contacting the fabric substrate with the polymer solution under conditions effective to distribute the polymer solution substantially homogenously on the first and second surfaces and through the fabric substrate, transferring the fabric substrate having the polymer solution substantially homogenously distributed there through to a lyophilization unit under conditions effective to maintain the homogeneous distribution on and throughout the substrate, and lyophilizing the fabric having the polymer solution distributed there through, thereby providing a porous, polymeric matrix